2027: INEC shake- up looms amid rising concerns

Femi Fabunmi 

Nigeria may face challenges in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections as almost half of the top officials at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are set to retire between December 2025 and next year.

Experts warn that if these leadership positions are filled in a politically biased way, it could harm the country’s democracy.

At a roundtable in Abuja hosted by YIAGA Africa, the group’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, stressed the importance of choosing new leaders for INEC based on skill, experience, and integrity.

“We should all be concerned about these leadership changes,” said Itodo. “If we don’t appoint competent and independent people, INEC’s ability to conduct credible elections will be weakened.”

He called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure a transparent appointment process. This includes publicly sharing a list of nominees, allowing the public and civil society groups to give feedback, and holding thorough interviews before the Senate confirms the appointments.

Itodo added that the selection of INEC officials has often been used as a political tool. He believes the current situation is an opportunity to rebuild public trust in the electoral system.

Kole Shettima, head of the MacArthur Foundation’s Nigeria office, urged civil society groups to actively raise awareness about the upcoming vacancies. He also encouraged President Tinubu to follow the example of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who set up an independent panel to reform the electoral process after the 2007 elections.

“The president should consider the legacy he will leave behind. A fair and open appointment process can help restore trust before 2027,” Shettima said.

Former INEC Commissioner Festus Okoye criticised civil society groups for not getting involved in past appointment processes. He said they should be more proactive and recommend qualified candidates before flawed choices are made.

Itodo also urged the National Assembly to complete electoral reform efforts by October 2025. With only 554 days until the next general election, he warned that any delays could add to already growing political tension due to early campaigns.

“If lawmakers can quickly pass other laws, there’s no reason why electoral reforms should be delayed,” he said.

The meeting ended with a clear see agreement: protecting INEC’s independence is critical to ensuring fair elections and maintaining Nigeria’s democracy.